Method of taking polarized images of the skin and the use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of photographing the skin of a person comprising the steps of: (i) illuminating the skin with at least one light source, where the light emitted from the light source is filtered using a polarizing filter; and (ii) capturing the image of the illuminated skin with a camera; wherein the angle formed by the light source, the skin, and the camera is from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of taking polarizedimages of the skin and the use of such images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In order to promote skin care products, many cosmetic companiesask their potential customers questions regarding perception of theirskin. Based on the answers to these questions, cosmetic companies areable to better suggest cosmetic and therapeutic products to thesepeople. Examples of such promotions can be found on the Internetwebpages of Neutrogena® (www.neutrogena.com), L'Oreal®(www.lorealparisusa.com), and Lancome® (www.lancome.com). Thesequestions, however, are only based upon the subject's perception oftheir skin under visible light. Many skin problems, however, are notalways visible under such conditions.

[0003] Various types of photography have been developed to enhance thevisualization of the skin. In visible light photography, or standardphotography, the most common arrangement includes a camera and one ormore flash units to deliver visible light to the skin by directillumination, diffuse illumination, or a combination thereof. Angledlighting has also been used to generate a gradient of the illuminatingfield on the skin in order to enhance the visualization of wrinkles andfine lines. Depending on the direction of the gradient (vertical orhorizontal), different sets of wrinkles and fine lines may be visuallyenhanced.

[0004] Polarized light photography has also been developed toselectively enhance either surface or subsurface features of the skin.These results are accomplished by placing a polarizing filter (typicallya linear polarizing filter) both in front of the flash unit, and infront of the camera. When the polarizing filters are in the sameorientation with each other, surface features of the skin such asscales, wrinkles, fine lines, pores, and hairs are visually enhanced.When the polarizing filters are aligned perpendicular to each other,subsurface features of the skin such as erythema, pigmentation, bloodvessels, and hair, are visually enhanced.

[0005] Ultraviolet photography, where the flash unit is filtered toproduce ultraviolet A light and the camera is filtered so that onlyvisible light enters the lens, has been used to visually enhance theappearance of pigmentation, the bacteria p. acnes, and horns. Avariation of ultraviolet photography has been termed the “sun camera”where ultraviolet A light is used to illuminate the skin and anultraviolet A sensitive film or a digital camera is used to record thereflected ultraviolet light from the skin. In this arrangement, both thepigment distribution and the surface features of the skin are visuallyenhanced.

[0006] The present invention provides people with access to one or moreof these improved means of viewing their skin, in order to provide themadditional insight into the condition of their skin. Such insight allowsthem to make more informed decisions regarding the purchase of skin careproducts. In addition, skin care products can be suggested to suchpotential customers by retailers or professionals based upon suchcustomer's enhanced perception of their skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one aspect, the invention features a method of promoting askin care product comprising taking a standard photograph of the skin ofa person; (ii) taking at least one additional photograph of the skin ofthe person, the additional photograph selected from the group consistingof an ultraviolet photograph, a blue fluorescence photograph, and apolarized photograph; (iii) presenting the standard photograph and theat least one additional photograph to the person; and (iv) suggestingskin care products based upon the person's review of the presentedphotographs.

[0008] In another aspect, the invention features a method ofphotographing the skin of a person comprising the steps of: (i)illuminating the skin with at least one light source, where the lightemitted from the light source is filtered using a polarizing filter; and(ii) capturing the image of such illuminated skin with a camera; whereinthe angle formed by the light source, the skin, and the camera is fromabout 35 degrees to about 55 degrees.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention features a method of promoting askin care product comprising: (i) illuminating the skin with at leastone light source, where the light emitted from the light source isfiltered using a polarizing filter; (ii) capturing the image of suchilluminated skin with a camera, wherein the angle formed by the lightsource, the skin, and the camera is from about 35 degrees to about 55degrees; (iii) presenting the image to the person; and (iv) suggestingskin care products based upon the person's review of the image.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention features a method ofphotographing the skin of a person comprising: (i) illuminating the skinwith at least one light source, wherein the light source either emitssubstantially only light having a wavelength from about 380 to about 430nm or emits light through a filter that emits substantially only lighthaving a wavelength from about 380 to about 430 nm; and (ii) capturingthe image of such illuminated skin with a camera; wherein the lightentering the camera is also filtered with a long pass filter, whereinthe long pass filter substantially eliminates light having a wavelengthbelow about 400 nm.

[0011] In one aspect, the invention features a method of promoting askin care product comprising: (i) illuminating the skin with at leastone light source, wherein the light source either emits substantiallyonly light having a wavelength from about 380 to about 430 nm or emitslight through a filter that emits substantially only light having awavelength from about 380 to about 430 nm; (ii) capturing the image ofsuch illuminated skin with a camera, wherein the light entering thecamera is also filtered with a long pass filter, wherein the long passfilter substantially eliminates light having a wavelength below about400 nm; (iii) presenting the image to the person; and (iv) suggestingskin care products based upon the person's review of the image.

[0012] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the detailed description of the invention and fromthe claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is an overhead view of an apparatus used to sequentiallytake the following four types of pictures of a person: a standardphotograph, a polarized photograph, a ultraviolet A photograph, and ablue fluorescence photograph.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based upon thedescription herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent.The following specific embodiments are to be construed as merelyillustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure inany way whatsoever.

[0015] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all publications,patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference.

[0016] The Camera

[0017] Various types of cameras may be used in the methods of thepresent invention. Examples of such cameras include, but are not limitedto, standard 35 mm cameras, cameras using instant developing film (suchas those available from Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. USA), anddigital cameras. Preferably, a digital camera is used as it providesfast access to the images taken of the subject. It also allows the imageto be displayed on a large monitor, enables the subject to easilyenlarge areas of skin that are of particular interest (e.g., areas ofthe face), and allows the image to be printed in a report which can alsoinclude suggestions for products addressing any concerns the subjectnoticed upon examining the images. Examples of suitable digital camerasinclude, but are not limited to, those which take images of at least 1million pixels, preferable at least 4 million pixels. Examples of suchdigital cameras include, but are not limited to, the Nikon D1X (Nikon,Tokyo, Japan) and the Fuji S1 (Fuji, Tokyo, Japan).

[0018] One or more cameras may also be used in the methods of thepresent invention, e.g., separate cameras having a distinct lightfiltering lens may be used for each type of photograph taken and/orseparate cameras used to photograph different areas or angles of thesubject. Preferably, only one camera is used since having more than onecamera would require that the cameras be calibrated to have the samecolor and intensity response. When only one camera is used, a mechanicalfilter wheel or arm containing a filter(s) may be placed in front of thecamera to selectively filter the light prior to or after entering thecamera's lens and/or the respective filter(s) may be placed at the lightsource(s) to filter the light as it leaves the light source(s). In thecase where multiple light sources are used, the camera can communicatewith each of the respective light sources via hard wiring or a radiotransceiver.

[0019] In one embodiment, the camera(s) are mounted at the same level asthe area of skin that the subject desires to be photographed, e.g., theface of the subject. Preferably, the camera is set such that such areaof skin substantially fills the frame area of the photograph, e.g., toensure the greatest amount of detail in the image.

[0020] In one embodiment where multiple images are acquired by singlecamera, the images are preferably acquired in less than about 30seconds, e.g., less than about 10 seconds.

[0021] Standard Photography.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of taking astandard photograph of the subject. What is meant by “standardphotograph” a photograph that is taken of the subject using visiblelight (e.g., light having a wavelength from about 400 to about 700 nm).In one embodiment, the subject is illuminated with one or more,preferably two, flash units that emit visible light. In one embodiment,the flash unit(s) are further equipped with a diffusing filter that isplaced in front of each flash unit. A diffusing filter is a filter,which assists in uniformly dispersing light (e.g., to help eliminate“hot spots”). Examples of such diffusing filters include, but are notlimited to, frosted glass filters such as a Broncolor Diffuser (SinarBron, Allschwil, Switzerland), metal grids which may be printed on glasssubstrates, or a diffusing reflective umbrella for indirect lighting.

[0023] In one embodiment, the flash unit(s) are angled at the subject'sskin to generate a gradient across the surface of the skin. In a furtherembodiment, the flash units are mounted higher than the skin area of thesubject and aimed at such skin area in order to give a gradient of lighton the skin from the top to the bottom. In one embodiment, the angle ofthe flash units is from about 5 to about 30 degrees, such as about 10degrees, from horizontal. This gradient visually enhances variousfeatures of the skin such as the fine lines and wrinkles in the subject,e.g., the crow's feet around the eye and forehead or mouth areawrinkles.

[0024] Polarized Light Photography.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of taking apolarized photograph of the subject. What is meant by “polarizedphotograph” is a photograph of the subject taken (i) with a light sourcethat emits light through a polarizing filter and/or (ii) through apolarized filter that filters light prior to or after entering thecamera's lens.

[0026] In one embodiment, the camera and one or more flash units,preferably two, are on about the same plane as the subject's skin to bephotographed, and the flash units are placed so that the angle formed byeach flash unit(s), subject's skin, and camera is about 35 to 55degrees, such as about 45 degrees. In one embodiment, a polarizingfilter is placed in front of each flash unit. What is meant by a“polarizing filter” is a filter that filters incoming light to emitsubstantially only polarized light. What is meant by the term“substantially,” as used herein, is at least 75 percent, preferably 90percent, and most preferably at least 95 percent.

[0027] Examples of a polarizing filter include, but are not limited to,polarizing plates such as those available from Edmund Scientific(Barrington, N.J. USA), polarizing prisms such as Glan Thomsonpolarizing prisms, or a polarizing reflector that reflects light atabout the Brewster angle. Polarizing filters may be linear or circularpolarizing filters. In a further embodiment, a light diffuser is placedbetween the flash unit and the polarizing filter.

[0028] In one embodiment, a linear polarizing filter is used at thelight source and the linear polarizing filter is arranged such that theelectric field of the emitted light is about perpendicular to the planeformed by the light source, the person's skin, and the camera. Inanother embodiment, a linear polarizing filter is used at the lightsource and the linear polarizing filter is arranged such that theelectric field of the emitted light is about parallel to the planeformed by the light source, the person's skin, and the camera.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the flash unit(s) are positioned on ahorizontal plane with the camera and the subject's skin and thepolarizing filter is a linear polarizing filter oriented so that theelectric field of the transmitted light is in the vertical direction(e.g., perpendicular to the plane). In this orientation, the criticalangle for total internal reflection from within the top corneocytes is45 degrees, thereby resulting in an image that is dominated by the lightthus reflected from the corneocytes. The resulting image has a highdegree of glare, which is further enhanced when an optical couplingmedium, such as sebum or “oils,” is present on the surface of thecorneocytes. The polarized image, thereby, allows an estimate to be madeas to the oiliness of the subject's skin. It also provides insight intothe number and severity of pores on the cheek and forehead areas of thefacial skin. Other desired outcomes of polarized photography include,but are not limited to, an enhanced image of surface features such asfine lines, skin texture, scales and vellous hair.

[0030] In another embodiment, the flash unit(s) are positioned on avertical plane above the camera and the subject's skin so that the angleformed by the flash unit, subject's skin, and camera is about 35 to 55degrees such as about 45 degrees and flash unit(s) are filtered withlinear polarizing filter that is placed with the transmitted electricfield in the vertical direction (e.g., parallel to the plane). In thisarrangement the surface glare from the skin is minimized, thus,enhancing the subsurface features of the skin, such as erythema(redness), blood vessels, and pigmentation.

[0031] Polarized light sources on both on the horizontal and verticalplanes with the camera and the subject's skin can be used to enhancespecific aspects of the skin (e.g., the face) that are partially shadedwith the use of polarized light sources only on the horizontal orvertical planes alone.

[0032] In one embodiment, the photograph of the subject is taken bothwith a light source that emits lights through a polarizing filter andthrough a polarizing filter that filters the light prior to or afterentering the camera's lens. When the polarizing filters are in the sameorientation with each other (e.g., both horizontal or both vertical),surface features of the skin such as scales, wrinkles, fine lines,pores, and hairs are visually enhanced.

[0033] When the polarizing filters are aligned perpendicular to eachother (e.g., one horizontal and one vertical), subsurface features ofthe skin such as erythema, pigmentation, blood vessels, and hair, arevisually enhanced.

[0034] Ultraviolet PhotograDhy

[0035] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of taking anultraviolet photograph of the subject. What is meant by “ultravioletphotograph” is a photograph of the subject taken (i) with a light sourcethat either emits substantially only ultraviolet light (radiation) oremits light through an ultraviolet filter and/or (ii) through anultraviolet filter that filters the light prior to or after entering thecamera's lens. What is meant by an ultraviolet filter is a filter thatfilters incoming light to emit substantially only ultraviolet light(e.g., light having a wavelength from about 200 to about 400 nm).Examples of light sources that can emit substantially only ultravioletlight are light emitting diodes. Examples of ultraviolet photographyinclude, but are not limited to, ultraviolet A photography orultraviolet B photography.

[0036] Ultraviolet A Photography.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of taking anultraviolet A photograph of the subject. What is meant by “ultraviolet Aphotograph” is a photograph of the subject taken (i) with a light sourcethat emits substantially only ultraviolet A light or emits light throughan ultraviolet A filter and/or (ii) through an ultraviolet A filter thatfilters the light prior to or after entering the camera's lens.

[0038] In one embodiment, one or more, preferably two, flash units arefiltered with an ultraviolet A filter (“UVA filter”). What is meant by aUVA filter is a filter that filters incoming light to emit substantiallyonly light having a wavelength of from about 320 to about 400 nm.Examples of UVA filters include, but are not limited to, the ultravioletUG-11 filter (Schott Glass Technologies, Duryea, Pa. USA). The resultingimage may be rich in red color because of the long wavelength pass ofUVA filter. In one embodiment, when utilizing a digital camera, eitherthe blue or green channel, preferably the blue channel, of the RGB imageis selected for viewing, resulting in a black and white image.

[0039] Benefits of an ultraviolet A photograph include, but are notlimited to, enhanced appearance of pigmented macules on the skin andsurface features such as bumps and wrinkles. Ultraviolet A photographymay be used to determine the uniformity of application of topicalproducts, such as sunscreens and of make-ups, that contain materialsthat absorb ultraviolet radiation. In addition, since melaninpigmentation more strongly absorbs UVA radiation than visible light,illuminating the skin with THEA radiation gives an enhanced contrastbetween normal skin and hyperpigmented skin. Furthermore, the pigmentedmacules are visualized as dark spots on a bright background due to thescattering and the fluorescence of the dermal collagen matrix. The imagerecorded by the camera includes both the reflection of ultraviolet Aradiation and fluorescence of the collagen. The resulting black andwhite image obtained by the blue or green channel from a digital cameraprovides an enhanced view of the distribution of pigmented macules onthe skin (e.g., the face). For subjects with deeply pigmented skin, thered channel may be selected.

[0040] In another embodiment, the flash units are further filtered witha red blocking filter. Examples of such red blocking filter include, butis not limited to, a KG-5 filter (Schott Glass Technologies). Suchfilters may assist in correcting the red appearance of the image.

[0041] Blue Fluorescence Photography.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of taking a bluefluorescence photograph of the subject. What is meant by “bluefluorescence photograph” is a photograph of the subject taken with alight source that emits substantially only blue light or emits lightthrough a blue filter. What is meant by “blue light” is light having awavelength from about 380 to about 430 nm.

[0043] In one embodiment, one or more, preferably two, flash units arefiltered with a blue filter. What is meant by a “blue filter” is afilter that filters incoming light to emit substantially only bluelight. Examples of such blue filters include, but are not limited to,interference filters such as those available from Melles Griot (Irvine,Calif. USA) or dielectric filters.

[0044] In one embodiment, the light entering the camera is also filtered(e.g., prior to or after entering the lens of the camera) with a longpass filter to substantially eliminate light having a wavelength belowabout 400 nm. Examples of long pass filters include, but are not limitedto, GG-420 or GG-440 filters (Schott Glass Technologies) and KodakWratten No. 8 (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, N.Y. USA). In one embodiment,the flash units and filters are placed on either side of the camera atapproximately the same horizontal plane as the skin sample of thesubject.

[0045] This type of photography produces bright images of thedistribution of coproporphyrin produced by the bacteria P. acnes and ofhorns. What is meant by a “horn” is a mixture of sebaceous lipids,keratinocytes, and possibly sebocytes impacted in open comedones andblackheads on the skin. By using substantially only blue light that iswithin the Soret absorption band of porphyrins, the fluorescenceemission of coproporphyrin is maximized. Excitation in this range alsoyields bright emission images of the distribution of “horns” because thefluorescence yield of horns is higher when excited in the blue region ofthe spectrum.

[0046] In one embodiment, when utilizing a digital camera, the colorimage may be viewed showing the distribution of coproporphyrin andtherefore the sites of maximum p. acnes concentration, which appears redin the image. The image also contains bright white spots, whichcorrespond to clogged pores or open comedones. In another embodiment thegreen channel of the RGB image is selected to enhance the hornfluorescence emission and the red channel may be selected to enhance thefluorescence emission of porphyrins from p. acnes. The resulting blackand white images, thus, provide excellent imaging of small vesselsbecause hemoglobin has its Soret band in the same wavelength range asporphyrins. In one embodiment, these vessels are visualized using eitherthe blue or the green channel of the RBG image.

[0047] Promotion of Skin Care Products

[0048] Upon acquisition of the photographs, these images are presentedto the subject. The means of presenting the photographs depends in parton the type of photograph taken (e.g., using standard film, instantdeveloping film, or a digital image). When using standard film orinstant developing film, the prints of the images are provided to thesubject. The prints may also be scanned and presented to the subject ona computer monitor (e.g., a LCD or CRT monitor). When using a digitalcamera, the image may also be presented on such a monitor.

[0049] Following presentation of the images to the subject, skin careproducts can be suggested to the person based upon his/her review of theimages. In one embodiment, the method comprises presenting the subjectwith one or more questions relating to the presented images. Based uponthe answers to such questions, one or more skin care products can besuggested to the subject. These products can be associated withresponses to the questionnaire, made by a person reviewing the subject'sanswers, or made by a computer based upon the answers of the subject.The review of the various images by the subject facilitates moreinformed answers to the questions.

[0050] In one embodiment, the suggestions of skin care products is madeby a computer program that recommends products based upon the answersprovided by the subject. In one embodiment, a list of skin care productsare maintained on a relational database. These products are associatedwith answers to certain questions. Thus, based upon the answers providedby the subject, certain products are selected by the computer program.For example, if the subject answers that he/she has wrinkles, thecomputer program will search the data based for skin care productseffective for treating wrinkles (e.g., products containing retinol)and/or if the subject answers that he/she has acne, the computer programwill search the database for skin care products effective for treatingacne (e.g., products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid).

[0051] In one embodiment, these suggestions are limited to a set numberof products, e.g., the program will not recommend more than fiveproducts. In such a case, the computer program will prioritize skin careproduct suggestions based upon either the importance of the skindisorders identified by the subject or the database's ranking ofimportance of the skin disorder to be addressed. For example, if thesubject responds that he/she has severe acne and moderate fine lines,the computer program will recommend acne product(s).

[0052] In one embodiment, following application of a skin care product(e.g., one suggested by the present method) or a period of time (e.g.,one week, one month, or one year), the subject is then photographedagain. These new photographs are compared to the original photographs todetermine the efficacy of the skin care product.

[0053] In one embodiment, the recommended products may be available atthe location where the photographs are taken, e.g., the photographs aretaken in a store or kiosk that sells skin care products.

[0054] Skin Care Product

[0055] Following the subject's visual analysis of the images, skin careproduct(s) can be suggested to the subject to address any perceivedproblems identified following such analysis.

[0056] What is meant by a “skin care product” is a topical compositioncomprising cosmetically active agent. What is meant by a “cosmeticallyactive agent” is a compound (e.g., a synthetic compound or a compoundisolated from a natural source) that has a cosmetic or therapeuticeffect on the skin, including, but not limiting to, anti-aging agents,lightening agents, darkening agents such as self-tanning agents,anti-acne agents, shine control agents, anti-microbial agents,anti-inflammatory agents, anti-mycotic agents, anti-parasite agents,sunscreens such as UVA/UVB blocking or absorbing agents,photoprotectors, antioxidants, keratolytic agents,detergents/surfactants, astringents, moisturizers, nutrients, aminoacids, amino acid derivatives, minerals, plant extracts, animal-derivedsubstances, vitamins, energy enhancers, anti-perspiration agents,astringents, deodorants, hair removers, hair growth stimulators, hairgrowth retarding agents, firming agents, anti-callous agents, and agentsfor nail and/or skin conditioning.

[0057] In one embodiment, the cosmetically-active agent is selectedfrom, but not limited to, the group consisting of hydroxy acids, benzoylperoxide, sulfur resorcinol, ascorbic acid, D-panthenol, hydroquinone,octyl methoxycinnimate, titanium dioxide, octyl salicylate, homosalate,avobenzone, polyphenolics, carotenoids, free radical scavengers,retinoids such as retinoic acid, retinol, and retinyl palmitate,ceramides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes,enzyme inhibitors, minerals, hormones such as estrogens, steroids suchas hydrocortisone, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, copper salts such as copperchloride, peptides containing copper such as Cu:Gly-His-Lys, coenzymeQ10, lipoic acid, amino acids such a proline and tyrosine, vitamins,lactobionic acid, acetyl-coenzyme A, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin,ribose, electron transporters such as NADH and FADH2, and otherbotanical extracts such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and legumes such assoy beans, and derivatives and mixtures thereof. The cosmetically activeagent will typically be present in the composition of the invention inan amount of from about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of thecomposition, e.g., about 0.01% to about 10% such as about 0.1% to about5%.

[0058] Examples of vitamins include, but are not limited to, vitamin A,vitamin Bs such as vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B12, vitamin C,vitamin K, and vitamin E and derivatives thereof.

[0059] Examples of hydroxy acids include, but are not limited, toglycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, andtartaric acid.

[0060] Examples of antioxidants include but are not limited to,water-soluble antioxidants such as sulfhydryl compounds and theirderivatives (e.g., sodium metabisulfite and N-acetyl-cysteine), lipoicacid and dihydrolipoic acid, resveratrol, lactoferrin, glutathione, andascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives (e.g., ascorbyl palmitateand ascorbyl polypeptide). Oil-soluble antioxidants suitable for use inthe compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to,butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids (e.g., retinol and retinylpalmitate), tocopherols (e.g., tocopherol acetate), tocotrienols, andubiquinone. Natural extracts containing antioxidants suitable for use inthe compositions of this invention, include, but not limited to,extracts containing flavonoids and isoflavonoids and their derivatives(e.g., genistein and diadzein), extracts containing resveratrol and thelike. Examples of such natural extracts include grape seed, green tea,pine bark, and propolis.

[0061] Various other cosmetically-active agents may also be present inthe skin care products. These include, but are not limited to, skinprotectants, humectants, and emollients. The skin care products may alsocomprise chelating agents (e.g., EDTA), preservatives (e.g., parabens),pigments, dyes, opacifiers (e.g., titanium dioxide), and fragrances.

[0062] The following is an example of a manner of practicing a method ofthe present invention. Other manners may be practiced by those ofordinary skill in the art.

EXAMPLE

[0063] One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a kiosk that isintended to be an interactive tool from which subjects (e.g., potentialcustomers) can evaluate their facial skin and decide upon a course ofaction to improve the appearance of the skin. The kiosk is designed suchthat a subject will have a series of images acquired of their face andthe images will be presented to them one at a time along with questionsrelating to the displayed images.

[0064] In one example of the present invention, the kiosk comprisesapparatus 100, as set forth in FIG. 1 (not to scale). Apparatus 100 isenclosed above and on three side (the side containing chin rest 6 inopen for the subject to enter his/her head) with a frosted plastic glass(not shown). Apparatus 100, which is capable of taking four types ofphotographs of the subject, is set-up on table 15 having dimensions of30″ by 36″. Half way along the long dimension of table 15 (about 18″from one end) and about 1 ⅝″ in from the front end of table 15 there ischin rest 6 for the subject's chin. The height of chin rest 6 is about12″ above table 15. Across from chin rest 6 and exactly half way alongthe opposite end of the table 15 is camera 11 (Nikon DlX). Camera 11 ismounted so that the center of the camera lens of camera 11 is about 17″above the top of table 15. The distance between chin rest 6 and thefront end of the lens of camera 11 is adjusted so that the subject'sface substantially fills the camera frame of camera 11.

[0065] On the side of table 15 away from chin rest 6 are flash units 30a, 30 b, 40 a, 40 b, 50 a, and 50 b (Broncolor Picolites, Sinar Bron,Allschwil, Switzerland) which are powered, respectively, by power packs92, 92, 93, 93, 91, and 91. The standard flash units 50 a and 50 b,which are used for taking a standard photograph, are mounted abovecamera 10 and angled down about 20 degrees. Flash units 50 a and 50 bare directed toward the center of the subject's face. Diffusing filters51 a and 51 b (Broncolor Diffuser, Sinar Bron) are placed, respectively,in front of flash units 50 a and 50 b.

[0066] UVA flash units 30 a and 30 b, which are used for the ultravioletA photography, are mounted on either side of camera 11 at about 14″ fromthe edge of table 15 and at a height of about 20″ from the top of table15. UVA filters 31 a and 31 b (UG-11 filters, Schott Glass Technologies,Duryea, Pa. USA) are placed, respectively, in front of UVA flash units30 a and 30 b. Blue flash units 40 a and 40 b, which are used for bluefluorescence photography, are also mounted on either side of the cameraat about 14″ from the edge of the table top and at a height of about 13″from the top of table 15. Blue filters 41 a and 41 b (Melles Griot,Irvine, Calif. USA) are placed, respectively, in front of blue flashunits 40 a and 40 b. The UVA flash units 30 a and 30 b and the blueflash units 40 a and 40 b are directed to the center of the face of thesubject.

[0067] The polarized flash units 20 a and 20 b (Broncolor Picolites),which are used for polarized light photography, are powered by powerpack 90. Diffusing filters 21 a and 21 b (Broncolor Diffuser, SinarBron) are placed, respectively, in front of polarized flash units 20 aand 20 b, respectively. Linear polarizing filters 22 a and 22 b (EdmundScientific, Barrington, N.J. USA) are placed, respectively, in front ofdiffusing filters 21 a and 21 b in a vertical orientation. Polarizedflash unit 20 a is positioned at about 4 ½″ from the left edge and about14″ in from the proximal edge of table 15 and polarized flash unit 20 bis positioned at about 4 ½″ from the right edge and about 14″ in fromthe proximal edge of table 15. The angle between either flash units 20 aor 20 b, the chin rest 6, and the camera 11 is about 45 degrees.

[0068] The method begins when the subject enters the kiosk imageacquisition area and enters basic demographic information into a facialskin-care evaluation computer program (Microsoft Visual Basic, MicrosoftCorporation, Redmond, Wash. USA) using a touch-screen monitor 70(SecurePoint, SeePoint Technologies, Torrance, Calif.), which is mountedunder table 15 and connected to the same computer running the computerprogram. The subject enters data into the computer program via monitor70 (computer program runs MountFocus Runtime Keyboard and the keyboardpresent on monitor 70 was designed using MountFocus Keyboard designerprograms (MountFocus Information Systems, Wilmington, Del. USA)),however, other input device such as a keyboard, a track ball, and acomputer mouse may be used. Examples of such information include, butare not limited to, age and gender of the subject. Following the inputof such demographic information, the computer program then instructs thesubject to place their chin on chin rest 6 and indicates to the subjectto close his/her eyes since apparatus 100 is ready to take photographs.

[0069] Upon touching monitor 70, the software makes a function call toan image acquisition and display software (“IDL software”; IDL, ResearchSystems, Inc., Boulder, Colo.) running on the same computer. The IDLsoftware then triggers camera 11 to acquire a blue fluorescencephotograph, a standard photograph, a polarized photograph, and anultraviolet A photograph. The flash units 40 a, 40 b, 50 a, 50 b, 20 a,20 b, 30 a, and 30 b are triggered sequentially through the use of aradio transceiver (Pocket Wizard Multimax, LPA Design, South Burlington,Vt. USA) using transceivers 95 (attached to power pack 90 and operatingin receiver mode), 96 (attached to power pack 91 and operating inreceiver mode), 97 (attached to power pack 92 and operating in receivermode), 98 (attached to power pack 93 and operating in receiver mode),and 99 (attached to the hot shoe of camera 11 and operating intransmitter mode). A Topas A2 power pack (Sinar Bron) is used for powerpacks 90 and 91 and a Primo 4 power pack (Sinar Bron) is used for powerpacks 92 and 93. The radio transceiver causes the activation of thepairs of flash units in response to the shutter release of camera 11.

[0070] Prior to taking the blue fluorescence photograph, the IDLsoftware makes a call to servo motor 80, using a Mini SSC II circuitboard (Scott Edwards Electronics, Sierra Vista, Ariz. USA), to move longpass filter 81 (Kodak Wratten No. 8, Eastman Kodak, Rochester, N.Y. USA)in front of the lens of camera 11. After this movement, the bluefluorescence photograph is taken. Following the taking of thisphotograph, the IDL software then makes another call to servo motor 80to move long pass filter 81 away from the lens of camera 11. The IDLsoftware then instructs the camera to take the remaining three images.Apparatus 100 is able to acquire these four images in about 10 seconds.

[0071] At this point, the four images just acquired are stored in thememory of camera 11 as separate data files. The IDL software then makesfunction calls to these data files and requests these files betransferred to the computer running the computer software and saved toits hard disk with a file name that indicates the apparatus used,subject identifier, and the type of image.

[0072] The subject is then presented on monitor 70 with a registrationform. Examples of such questions include e-mail address, places wherethey buy skin-care products, ethnic background, and amount and type ofskin-care products that they have purchased in the past (e.g., the pastyear).

[0073] The subject then begins reviewing each of the four images onmonitor 70 and answers questions, presented on monitor 70, about eachimage. The computer program calls the IDL software and requests that aparticular saved image be loaded from the hard disk and resized to fitin the screen display area. Once the image is displayed, the IDLsoftware then returns control to the computer program. The facial imagedisplay area is roughly half of monitor 70. The other half of the screenof monitor 70 displays a series of questions relating to the particulardisplayed image. To assist the subject in the review of his/her images,the computer program may also display on monitor 70 images of otherpeople as comparisons.

[0074] As the subject advances to the next page, the computer programcalls IDL program and requests that a particular saved image be loadedfrom the hard disk and resized to fit in the screen of monitor 70 areaas discussed above. This procedure continues until all four images havebeen displayed and all questions have been answered by the subject.

[0075] Upon viewing the standard photograph, the subject is thenpresented with questions regarding the surface of his/her skin. Examplesof such questions include, but are not limited to, whether they have anyfine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity or firmness, large visiblepores, sensitive skin, and rough or smooth skin, as well as the severityand location of such conditions. Other questions include, but are notlimited to, the frequency and severity of irritation from skin careproducts.

[0076] Upon viewing the polarized photograph, the subject is askedquestions regarding the oiliness of their skin. Examples of suchquestions include, but are not limited to, whether they have normal,dry, oily, or selective oily skin (e.g., oil in certain areas such asabove the eyebrows and on the tip of the nose).

[0077] Upon viewing the ultraviolet A photograph, the subject is askedquestions regarding the visualization of pigmentation of the face (e.g.,brown spots). Examples of such questions include, but are not limitedto, the amount and location of such pigmented spots.

[0078] Upon viewing the blue fluorescence photograph, the subject isasked questions regarding acne. Examples of such questions include, butare not limited to, the severity and frequency of his/her breakouts.

[0079] As described above, the images from camera 11 are displayed onthe computer monitor 70. However, because the number of available screenpixels are less than the number of actual image pixels taken by thedigital photograph, only a small percentage of the original image canactually be displayed if the image is to be shown on the screen in itsentirety while maintaining aspect ratio. For the case of the Nikon DlX,which stores 6 million pixels per image, display of the digital image ina portrait orientation on a computer screen having a resolution of1024×768 results in display of only 1 out of every 18 pixels. In such adown-sampled image presentation, fine detail of the skin taken by camera11 is not fully displayed.

[0080] The solution to this problem is to use a technique whereby a256×256 box (display kernel) appears directly over the area of interestand shows all the image pixels actually acquired by camera 11 for sucharea. The effect is an in-place magnification of a small area of theimage on monitor 70. The apparent magnification, shown as this displaykernel, can be passed over various areas of the image selected by thesubject. Thus, this is an example of 1:1 image display (where everyimage pixel is shown on the screen within a small display kernel). Truemagnification of the image can also be accomplished by interpolating thedata between pixels and creatina additional pixels, thereby providingmagnification of select areas of the image. The subject selects themagnification of such area by touching the area of interest displayed onthe monitor 70.

[0081] Following the input of the answers from the subject, the computerprogram then proceeds to suggest skin care products for the subject.Each question in the computer program is associated with a skincondition. For example, the question “How often does your skinbreakout?” is associated with acne. As the subject answers eachquestion, the corresponding skin condition is assigned a degree. Forexample, the acne question has four degrees corresponding to the fouranswer choices: Always, Weekly, Monthly and Never. After the subjectanswers all the questions, the skin conditions questioned by thecomputer program are ranked according to severity. This ranking isaccomplished by passing all of the degree values entered by the subjectto a relational database stored procedure contained within a relationaldatabase (Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash. USA) thatis on the same computer.

[0082] A database table contained with the relational database containsa record for each skin problem type and degree. A “degree weight” isassigned to each record, which facilitates the ranking of the skinconditions. For example, if the subject answers “Always” for the aboveacne question, and “Yes” to the question “Do you notice any loss offirmness on your face?” the acne skin condition may have a higher rankthan the loss of firmness condition. However, if the subject answers“Weekly” to the above acne question and “Yes” to the loss of firmnessquestion, the loss of firmness condition may be ranked higher.

[0083] After the skin conditions are ranked, the top three conditions,along with the subject's skin type, e.g., normal, dry, or oily, arepassed to another relational database stored procedure contained withinthe relational database. Using these values, this procedure queries asecond database table that contains all of the possible combinations ofskin conditions along with skin type. Each such record in the tablecontains a list of recommended products based on these values. Thiscorresponding list of recommended products for that subject's conditionis then passed back to the computer program.

[0084] Finally, the computer program creates a printout using CrystalReports (Seagate Corporation, Scotts Valley, Calif. USA) for the subjectincluding the suggested skin care products and pictures of the subjectwith information about the various skin conditions. At the conclusion ofcomputer program, the subject will indicate whether or not the imagesshould be kept or deleted.

[0085] It is understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, that the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Otheraspects, advantages, and modifications are within the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of photographing the skin of a person,said method comprising the steps of: (i) illuminating said skin with atleast one light source, where the light emitted from said light sourceis filtered using a polarizing filter; and (ii) capturing the image ofsaid illuminated skin with a camera; wherein the angle formed by saidlight source, said skin, and said camera is from about 35 degrees toabout 55 degrees.
 2. A method of claim 1, wherein the light enteringsaid camera is not filtered with a polarizing filter prior to such lightentering said camera.
 3. A method of claim 1, wherein said polarizingfilter is a linear polarizing filter.
 4. A method of claim 2, whereinsaid polarizing filter is a linear polarizing filter.
 5. A method ofclaim 3, wherein said linear polarizing filter is arranged such that theelectric field of the emitted light is about perpendicular to the planeformed by said light source, said person's skin, and said camera.
 6. Amethod of claim 4, wherein said linear polarizing filter is arrangedsuch that the electric field of the emitted light is about perpendicularto the plane formed by said light source, said person's skin, and saidcamera.
 7. A method of claim 5, wherein said linear polarizing filter isarranged such that the electric field of the emitted light is aboutvertical and the plane formed by said light source, said person's skin,and said camera is about horizontal.
 8. A method of claim 6, whereinsaid linear polarizing filter is arranged such that the electric fieldof the emitted light is about vertical and the plane formed by saidlight source, said person's skin, and said camera is about horizontal.9. A method of claim 1, wherein said angle formed by said light source,said skin, and said camera is about 45 degrees.
 10. A method of claim 7,wherein said angle formed by said light source, said skin, and saidcamera is about 45 degrees.
 11. A method of claim 8, wherein said angleformed by said light source, said skin, and said camera is about 45degrees.
 12. A method of promoting a skin care product, said methodcomprising: (i) illuminating said skin with at least one light source,where the light emitted from said light source is filtered using apolarizing filter; (ii) capturing the image of such illuminated skinwith a camera, wherein the angle formed by said light source, said skin,and said camera is from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees; (iii)presenting said image to said person; and (iv) suggesting skin careproducts based upon said person's review of said image.
 13. A method ofclaim 12, wherein said method further comprises presenting said personwith one or more questions relating to said presented image and saidsuggestion of skin care products is based upon said person's answers tosaid one or more questions.
 14. A method of claim 12, wherein the lightentering said camera is not filtered with a polarizing filter prior tosuch light entering said camera.
 15. A method of claim i2, wherein saidpolarizing filter is a linear polarizing filter.
 16. A method of claim13, wherein said polarizing filter is a linear polarizing filter.
 17. Amethod of claim 15, wherein said linear polarizing filter is arrangedsuch that the electric field of the emitted light is about perpendicularto the plane formed by said light source, said person's skin, and saidcamera.
 18. A method of claim 16, wherein said linear polarizing filteris arranged such that the electric field of the emitted light is aboutperpendicular to the plane formed by said light source, said person'sskin, and said camera.
 19. A method of claim 17, wherein said linearpolarizing filter is arranged such that the electric field of theemitted light is about vertical and the plane formed by said lightsource, said person's skin, and said camera is about horizontal.
 20. Amethod of claim 18, wherein said linear polarizing filter is arrangedsuch that the electric field of the emitted light is about vertical andthe plane formed by said light source, said person's skin, and saidcamera is about horizontal.
 21. A method of claim 12, wherein said angleformed by said light source, said skin, and said camera is from about 45degrees.
 22. A method of claim 13, wherein said angle formed by saidlight source, said skin, and said camera is about 45 degrees.
 23. Amethod of claim 19, wherein said angle formed by said light source, saidskin, and said camera is about 45 degrees.
 24. A method of claim 20,wherein said angle formed by said light source, said skin, and saidcamera is about 45 degrees.